Between us

I love my siblings. So much. But there’s something deeper between me and my Ate (big sister). There are so many things in life that we shared—together—to the point that at times I feel like I don’t want to stray from her. I can’t. I won’t. We practically grew up like twins, always having the same kind of stuff—totally minding the five-year gap in age. From clothes, shoes, toys, etc, it’s just in color that we differ—hers should be orange, yellow, or red; mine is mostly pink and blue. She is my best friend without being conscious about it.

Ironically, she is the aggressive type; will never let anyone put her down while I’m more of the controlled one. She never backs off from fights while I’m the peacemaker. She is the tough kid—anywhere, I’m the tamed one. She plays the boss while I’m her sidekick. I'm strict [and disciplined], while she often gives leeway. We enjoy each other that way, though. We complement. We have our fair share of ‘fame’. Outside, we both did well in school. Teachers respect us and so are people around.

But aside from these kid stuffs, what we shared--our experiences-- growing up has forged that relationship even stronger; no longer that we’re playmate sisters but that we are taking REAL responsibilities together. We make major decisions together; no one playing as superior, but as partners. She may not know it, but I will forever be grateful for having her as my Ate. We faced the toughest times in life together as children and now as grown ups. She draws strength from me as I, from her. And I know God has given her to bless me.

Today, dark hours still come, but things are lighter with the Lord giving us peace and assurance. My Ate remains my ate, and that makes a difference. She understands things the way I do and sees it the way I perceive. Now that we have the responsibility on our shoulders—we can get through it together.

She doesn’t know I’m thinking this way about her…let’s keep it a little secret.